Meet the team

There are several members of Self Help’s leadership team who are available to comment on a range of mental health issues.

Nicky Lidbetter

Nicky Lidbetter, Chief Officer, is Self Help’s main spokesperson and is often interviewed for both print and broadcast media. Nicky’s extensive knowledge of mental health and the issues that face people with mental distress are informed by her 20 years of work in the field and her own personal experience of mental health problems, specifically panic attacks and agoraphobia. Nicky founded Self Help in 1995 and has been influential in pioneering innovative services throughout the country which support and empower individuals who suffer from mental health problems.

Joanne Harding

Joanne Harding is Self Help’s Crisis Services Manager and a regular spokesperson on mental health, particularly crisis support. Joanne oversees Self Help’s mental health crisis service, The Sanctuary, which provides 24-hour support to anyone struggling to cope with anxiety, panic attacks, depression or suicidal thoughts.

Andrea Lyons

Andrea, Community Services Manger, joined Self Help in April 2012 with over 20 years experience of community development work in the voluntary and community sector. Andrea has a particular interest in the impact of the arts on health and wellbeing. Andrea manages the delivery and development of user-led community services such as our drop-in support groups for those affected by anxiety and depression.